G
G-363930
1979 Catalina with the 301. Will an SBC 350 bolt in or will mods need to be made? What engine will bolt right in other then the 301. Thanks
cammerjeff
Well-known member
Only another 301 or 265 Pontiac V8 will directly swap into the car, Pontiac 350-455 would be the next easiest swap but you would need all the accessory brackets from the doner engine as the ones on your 301 will not bolt onto the bigger V8's.
The next issue you will have is the transmission, your car will have either a BOP bolt pattern TH-350 or a Metric 200 3-speed automatic. So a Buick 350, or Olds 350-403 would be the next easiest swaps. To put a SBC in the car will require either a Chevy bolt pattern transmission (or adapter plate) moving the fuel line to the passenger side (currently on the drivers side. Also the battery and starter placement is on oposite sides between a Pontiac & Chevy V8.
I would try and find a Pontiac 350 local to you. They used to be plentiful as people removed them to put in larger engines (or SBC's)
The next issue you will have is the transmission, your car will have either a BOP bolt pattern TH-350 or a Metric 200 3-speed automatic. So a Buick 350, or Olds 350-403 would be the next easiest swaps. To put a SBC in the car will require either a Chevy bolt pattern transmission (or adapter plate) moving the fuel line to the passenger side (currently on the drivers side. Also the battery and starter placement is on oposite sides between a Pontiac & Chevy V8.
I would try and find a Pontiac 350 local to you. They used to be plentiful as people removed them to put in larger engines (or SBC's)